Wirework is an ancient art form, probably first practised by the Egyptians around 3000BC. Early examples have been discovered in the burial chambers of important people throughout the ancient world. In 2600BC,
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Several methods of decorating wood exploit its natural grain pattern. Limed wood imitates the old custom of painting wooden furniture with diluted limewash left over from painting the walls in farmhouses. Now, instead
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Andy Goldsworthy, an internationally renowned land artist, was born in Cheshire in 1956. There are regular exhibitions of his work in Britain, France and the United States. Although he travels all over
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It is very nice thing to decorate the home with personal items. The objects that mean something to you and your family. Even better is you made it yourself. Creating a personalised memory box is one of the projects that are so fun to make and such a pleasure to look at or give as a present. The memory box can be filled with a nostalgic collection of family mementos: old black-and-white framed photos, vintage toy cars, someone’s favourite dolls, souvenirs from vacations and family trips, a letter for the child to read when they are older, rolled up like a scroll, and other miniature objects.

Hope Gangloff is known for creating vibrant and truthful portraits of her friends as a way to share her view of modern American life. By capturing this generation of young adults in her illustrations and paintings, she documents this era’s struggle during these tumultuous economic times. Gangloff studied fine art at Cooper Union in New York. After leaving art school, Gangloff worked in a bronze foundry and made illustrations for publications such as the New York Times, the New Yorker, Spin Magazine, and Built by Wendy. Her work now hangs in galleries and museums around the world.

Andy Goldsworthy, an internationally renowned land artist, was born in Cheshire in 1956. There are regular exhibitions of his work in Britain, France and the United States. Although he travels all over the world to carry out commissions, the landscape around his home in Dumfries, south-west Scotland, remains at the heart of his work.

Filled with catnip, this little mouse make a delightful gift that a cat literally cannot resist. This is a great project for using up offcuts and leftover pieces of material. Cotton fabrics work well, but why not also try tweed or leather? Catnip or Nepeta cataria is cultivated as an ornamental plant for use in gardens. It is also grown for its attractant qualities to house cats and butterflies. With domestic cats, catnip is used as a recreational substance for pet cats’ enjoyment, and catnip and catnip-laced products designed for use with domesticated cats are available to consumers. Common behaviors cats display when they sense the bruised leaves or stems of catnip are rubbing on the plant, rolling on the ground, pawing at it, licking it, and chewing it.

As the architect Mies van der Rohe once said, ‘God is in the details.’ This insight reflects one of the pillars of cheap chic interior style: make the most of accessories. On one hand, they are a home’s personal signature – a visual diary of who you are and what you love. On the other, they are the practical objects that you couldn’t live without.

The subject of preventing water from splashing our walls can, quite honestly, be rather dull. Unfortunately we have to be practical about these matters. However it is attention to detail that makes all the difference and this handsome basin splashback, which took such a short time to make, really adds a finishing touch to my newly decorated bathroom. The same technique and style can be applied for the kitchen project, to create a splashback for kitchen sink or cooker.

Reflecting on his ambition for the Regent Street store he opened in 1875, Arthur Lasenby Libertysaid: `I was determined not to follow existing fashion but to create new ones.’ Mission accomplished – Liberty celebrates its 140th anniversary last year and its oriental inspired and floral prints have remained desirable throughout its history, confounding the rules of the fashion.

Animals are often a great inspiration for crafting, especially jewellery making. This Lion choker necklace is easy to make with a few tools and cheap materials. And it can be a lovely present to a little girl or someone who is animal lover. Using two-tone organza creates a fabulous colour effect, so be sure to have a piece of this. You could also try the more traditional method of using wool to make a lion’s mane. Let’s make some jewellery!

Knotted scarfswill always be fashionable items. Tempted by the balls of soft, luxurious wool in your local haberdashery shop? You can make a cosy knotted scarf without knowing how to knit; simply knot strands of wool together to make this pretty macramé criss-cross design. You can use any type of thick wool, but the scarf will look the best if your chosen yarn is soft and fluffy.

Lighting in child’s bedroom is something you should not take it for granted. Many people will go to considerable lengths to decorate a child’s bedroom in a ‘playful’ style. Often the decor will follow a specific theme based on a child’s interests, sometimes with the whole room being thought of as a plaything itself. Whether or not you choose to go to these lengths, a child’s bedroom can provide a great opportunities for fun lighting, and remember that the child will probably want to have a say in both the decor and the lighting as he or she grows older.